Locals react to UM sanctions

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (WSVN) -- The NCAA has cited a lack of unconstitutional control as one of the components in the investigation against University of Miami, and the school is talking about it with students and administrators.

It's business as usual for football coach Al Golden and players on the University of Miami campus, but students have plenty of opinions. UM senior Alycee said, "I agree with Donna Shalala that we have pretty much been punished enough as it is."

Another UM senior Tim Hirschfeld adds, "I don't really know where this is going, but I'm not pleased with what's been going on so far."

The University of Miami and its fans say it is time to move on. Hurricanes fan Robert Graves said, "Well, I think I am, and the rest of the City of Miami is ready to move forward."

It is the general consensus from students, supporters and alumni last night, as the 'Canes basketball team hosted Virginia.

Hurricanes Men's Basketball Coach Jim Larranaga would prefer to focus on his number two in the nation team, rather than the letter of allegations the school got last night from the NCAA. He said, "We have nothing to do with the investigation. We have a very able-bodied administration. They take care of all that."

UM President Donna Shalala started that process by issuing the following statement, pointing out what the long-awaited allegations did not include: "The NCAA enforcement staff could not find evidence of prostitution, expensive cars for players, expensive dinners paid for by boosters, player bounty payments, rampant alcohol or drug use or the alleged hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and gifts given to student athletes as reported in the media. The fabricated story played well. The facts did not," said Shalala.

The facts are that the school already sanctioned itself, dropping scholarships for its football team and opting not to play in two bowl games and a conference championship. These decisions were made following a scathing set of allegations from jailed, federally convicted Ponzi scheming booster Nevin Shapiro, who has said he showered football and basketball players with improper gifts over a ten year period.

Nevin Shapiro's Attorney Elena Perez commented on the allegations saying, "Had I realized I was dealing with, what is in my opinion... such an incompetent regulatory institution, I would have never allowed Mr. Shapiro to have had any type of contact with the NCAA --- PERIOD," said Perez via a text message to the Associated Press.

UM has 90 days to respond to these allegations, and then a hearing will ensue as well as possible sanctions.

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